Matthew 20:28

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-28

Salome's petition for Zebedee's sons. This strange petition must have operated in a twofold way upon our Lord. On the one hand, it must have made it more clear than ever to his mind that nothing but his death and departure from this earth could dissipate the hopes of an earthly kingdom cherished by even the best of his followers. On the other hand, it gave him a most melancholy exhibition of the kind of men whom he must leave behind him to found his Church. Yet in our Lord's reply there is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-28

Distinction in the kingdom. In the company of Jesus and his twelve apostles, as they went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, were probably other disciples, their relatives and friends. For here is "the mother of the sons of Zebedee," who came "worshipping, and asking a certain thing" of Jesus. The reply and discourse following show— I. THAT DISTINCTION IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS NOT THE DISTINCTION OF LORDSHIP . 1 . This is the distinction of earthly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:28

Even as. Christ adduces his own example as a pattern of profound humility. To minister. By his incarnation Christ assumed the lowliest life of man. He took upon himself the form of a servant, and was ever active in ministering to others' wants, going about doing good, healing the sick, cleansing lepers, casting out demons; always accessible, sympathetic, merciful; never weary of teaching, however fatigued in body; a servant to the race which he came to save. A ransom for many; λυ ì ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:28

Christ the Servant and the Ransom. The immediate application of these words is to confirm the previous assertion of the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. But they are so intensely significant that they claim our attention on their own account. I. CHRIST THE SERVANT . This startling conjunction of titles is suggested even in the Old Testament, in the latter part of Isaiah. Jesus realizes the singular prophecy in deeper humility and self-denial. In the prophet the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 20:20-28

See also Mark 10:35-45.Matthew 20:20Then came to him give mother of Zebedee’s children ... - This was probably Salome, Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1.With her sons - The names of these sons were James and John, Mark 10:35Mark says they came and made the request. That is, they made it, as appears from Matthew, through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them. It is not improbable that she was an ambitious woman, and was desirous to see her sons honored.Worshipping him - Showing... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 20:24-28

Matthew 20:24-28. And when the ten heard it It is likely they overheard the conversation; they were moved with indignation Being not only equally desirous, but in their opinion equally deserving of the principal posts, they took it exceedingly amiss that Zebedee’s sons should have been so arrogant, and, it seems, expressed their resentment in words. But Jesus called them unto him, &c. Jesus, being solicitous to cure that pride which made some of them ambitious and others jealous,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:17-28

112. The request of James and John (Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34)As Jesus journeyed towards Jerusalem, he again spoke of his coming death and resurrection, but again his disciples misunderstood. They were still thinking mainly of an earthly kingdom of political power (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34).James and John therefore came to Jesus with a request that they might have the top positions in the kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21; Mark 10:35-37). Jesus, by using the words ‘cup’ and... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 20:28

The fourth announcement of His sufferings. See note on Matthew 16:21 . to be ministered unto = to be served. to minister = to serve. life = soul. ransom = redemption price. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 35:31 ). App-117 .1. for = in the stead of. Greek. anti. App-104 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 20:28

Even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.It is strange that the disciples did not see that quality in Jesus, or, seeing it, seemed incapable of imitating it. His humility, meekness, and utter disregard of worldly ambition did not evoke any similar attitude on the part of the Twelve. The reason appears to be in this very text. They were still sold under sin. The great ransom for man's salvation had not yet been paid. True, the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 20:28

Matthew 20:28. Even as the Son of man— "The greatness of my disciples consists in doing men all the good they possibly can, by a continual course of humble laborious services, in imitation of me your master, whose greatness consists not in being ministered to by men, but in ministering to them as a servant; by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, instructing the ignorant, and laying downmy life a ransom for the sins of many." This being the highest dignity in Christ's kingdom, he might well... read more

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